The incumbent will :
• Provide technical support to countries in the development, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of policies and strategies to improve preparedness and response to VPD outbreaks and support to the immunization programmes through the following:
• Support the development of evidence-based policies, strategies and tools to improve surveillance performance for timely detection of VPD events through the use of data;
• Support regular in-depth analysis of data and information to elucidate the burden and deep epidemiology (hotspot analysis and mapping, time-space analysis based on patterns) of VPDs in the region to generate evidence to inform preparedness and response strategies;
• Proactively support predictive modelling, conduct risk assessment and monitor VPD indicators and triangulation of information to guide VPD preparedness and response;
• Support the development of outbreak-readiness tools and response plans for countries at national and sub-national levels for the update/review of countries in collaboration with vaccine focal persons within regional, IST and WCO;
• Contribute and support the capacity building of countries teams in VPD risk assessment, outbreak investigation, outbreak preparedness and response, and documentation of outbreaks;
• Support countries in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of VPDs outbreak response by proactively supporting monitoring of readiness, intra-actions reviews and after action reviews;
• Support countries in the process of validation of elimination/ eradication of VPDs;
• Collaborate with other programmes to promote and support the adoption and implementation of innovations, particularly in the optimization and digitalization of surveillance systems, and risk assessment and outbreak preparedness;
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of up-to-date regional, sub-regional and national databases for VPD outbreaks’ readiness and response as part of the development of new/improved tools and strategies;
• Facilitate cross-border collaboration on VPD outbreak preparedness and response
• Perform other related responsibilities as assigned, including replacing and backstopping for others as required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Education
Essential: Master’s degree in medicine, public health, epidemiology or related field.
Desirable: Post-graduate training or PhD in epidemiology, vaccinology, immunology, infectious or communicable diseases, and/or monitoring and evaluation.
Specialized training in infectious disease epidemiology and outbreak response.
Experience
Essential: A minimum of seven (07) years of experience in developing, designing, and implementing public health programmes, especially managing disease surveillance, outbreak investigation and response as well as setting up sentinel surveillance.
Desirable:
• Work experiences that are diverse, incorporating private sector, NGOs, other UN, or governmental Health related agencies will be an advantage.
• Experience in policy formulation and strategic planning
• Experience in resources mobilization and partnership coordination
• Good understanding of the IDSR and ERF frameworks
• Sound strategic and tactical thinking with ability to formulate clear comprehensive policies, strategies and plans.
• Organizational skills with ability to multi-task and produce results under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal with proven ability to communicate in a clear and effective way, with tact, diplomacy and courtesy.
• Authoritative and comprehensive knowledge of the theory, principles, methods and techniques in international emergency risk management and humanitarian response, with a broad-based understanding of its growing complexity including knowledge of the workings of relevant international policy-setting bodies.
• Conduct field investigation for outbreak verification, risk assessment and provide technical support for rapid public health response to public health emergencies emanating from known or unknown disease pathogens.
Skills
• Demonstrated knowledge of VPD outbreak preparedness and response, health emergencies management, and global health;
• Proven ability to plan, coordinate and implement outbreak preparedness and response activities, including norms and standards and related capacity building;
• Proven ability to monitor and report on results, progress, lessons learnt and obstacles;
• Proven understanding of health emergencies programmes as related to the control of preventable diseases including case-based surveillance, Integrated Disease surveillance (IDSR) and International Health Regulations (IHR) as well how to achieve universal Health coverage (UHC);
• Demonstrated ability to strengthening partnerships and in mobilizing resources.
WHO Competencies
Teamwork
Respecting and promoting individual and cultural differences
Communication
Producing results
Ensuring the effective use of resources
Use of Language Skills
Essential: Expert knowledge of English or French.
Desirable: Intermediate knowledge of any other UN official languages.
REMUNERATION
WHO salaries for staff in the Professional category are calculated in US dollars. The remuneration for the above position comprises an annual base salary starting at USD 72,637 (subject to mandatory deductions for pension contributions and health insurance, as applicable), a variable post adjustment. Other benefits include 30 days of annual leave, allowances for dependent family members, home leave, and an education grant for dependent children.
